MH370 mystery: Signal from underground nuclear test sensors could hold clue to where plane went down

Scientists in Britain have detected a signal that could be instrumental in solving the mystery of the lost Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370. The researchers from Cardiff have used underwater microphones to pick up a signal that could finally help identify where the Boeing 777 aircraft lies.

The craft has been missing since March 8, 2014, when it suddenly disappeared with 239 people on board.

But it is certain that the crashing speed of a 200-tonne aircraft releases the kinetic energy equivalent to a small earthquake. Heard of Taylor Swift fans creating quakes by jumping at concerts? This was a full-fledged aircraft and a 200-tonne aircraft at that.

Such a small earthquake is large enough to be recorded by hydrophones.

At MH370 aircraft's way, there are two hydroacoustic stations able to detect such a signal; in Cape Leeuwin in Western Australia and in the British territory of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean. Both of them were set up to oversee the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Both locations were operational around the time MH370 is believed to have crashed into the Indian Ocean.

Now the researchers at the Cardiff University have identified one signal that coincides with the narrow time frame when the aircraft could have crashed into the ocean on March 8. It was recorded at the Cape Leeuwin station. However, the same signal was not detected at the Diego Garcia station.

What does it mean?

"This raises questions about its origin," researcher Dr Usama Kadri, a reader of applied mathematics, was quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

It is not conclusive, but he said: "Given the sensitivity of hydrophones, it is highly unlikely a large aircraft impacting the ocean surface wouldn’t leave a detectable pressure signature, particularly on nearby hydrophones."

Also watch |Mystery of MH370 flight: What really happened to Malaysia's missing airplane?

In 2015 and 2016, debris from the aircraft was washed ashore on several Indian Ocean islands and on the coast of Africa. A new search was launched in January 2018 but its findings remained inconclusive.

(With inputs from agencies)